Before you travel, there’s nothing different that you need to do — the Advanced Passenger Information (API) you complete before you travel will be used by the airline to send your details. There's no need to register or apply in advance.

The first time you use the EES it might take bit longer to pass through border control when you arrive, as your biometric data (face image and four fingerprints) will be collected. You may want to take extra water with you in case there are any delays. This data is only collected the first time you travel under the new system. Fingerprints of children below 12 years old will not collected.

You can find out more by visiting the EU EES website or the UK Government website.

There are plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The date this will be launched has not been confirmed, but it's expected to be in 2026.

The ETIAS will be a bit like an ESTA that you’d apply for when travelling to the USA. It’s not a visa, but if you’re visiting an EU or Schengen Zone country for a short stay*, you’ll need to register your details before you travel via a quick and easy online form – it’ll cost €20 and will be valid for three years.

You can find out more by checking the EU ETIAS website.

*Just so you know, a short stay is classed as no more than 90 days in a 180-day period.